Some critics argue that unemployment insurance benefits serve as a disincentive to finding work. Yet with more than four jobless workers for every opening, the issue of high unemployment cannot be a function of people unwilling to work, but rather employers unwilling to take on new employees because of weak demand. And removing that demand by cutting unemployment benefits only makes it more difficult for the unemployed to find work.

Gov. Scott thinks his legislation will spur economic activity and job growth. Instead, it will damage his state’s economic recovery and push vulnerable Floridians into poverty.